Fakka

Assalam u alaikum,

I hope everyone is doing well, because alhamdulillah I am doing very well. Whoever posted those comments (and you know who you are)...keep them coming. It's what I live on. I guess part of writing is knowing someone is reading what you write, and getting feedback. Not praise, feedback. So jazakumullahu khairan.

In Egypt people have this obsession with getting change for their money (known as fucca or fukka in aamiya). Everyone is constantly trying to break the big bills (like 100 guineas) into smaller notes, preferably one or two guineas. Even clerks at restaurants or big stores will ask you for change "nus guinea?" (do you have half a guinea?). It was rather funny for us Canadians, until we realized that delivery people don't carry change with them. If you don't have the right change, they'll take the whole codswallop, even if you're giving them seventy-five guinea extra. One time I ordered from Prego's, and the total was 22.50 Egyptian pounds. I only had a 100 guinea bill, so the delivery man and I went on a giant expedition to all the nearby grocery stores to see if they had change for a 100 guinea. They acted as if we had asked them to give a pound of flesh or something. "Wallahi mash indi fakka." (I swear by Allah that I don't have any change). Anyways we managed to do the impossible and get enough change, wal hamdulillah.

I am sorry Abu, when you called I was in class. I tried phoning you back, but no one picked up. I am here at the Internet cafe as well and no one is online. That's fine insha'allah, I'll talk to you guys tomorrow insha'allah. Also tell Uncle Syed Hasan that it was great hearing from him. I remember him and Adil and his family all the time and I really appreciate the advice they gave to us.

Today we started on Arabic geography. I feel like I'm in Grade Five again, learning all the different countries where Arabic is spoken, the compass points (north, south, east, west), and the names of the major oceans surrounding the countries of Arabic. Speaking for myself, I know precisely nothing about the places where most Muslims live, except a little about Pakistan. It was a new experience for me, and a thought-provoking one.

So children, until next episode of Canadians in Cairo, make sure you always have the right amount of change.

Stay Calm, Be Brave, and Wait for the Signs.

Du'a.

Please.

Ma'asalam,

~Ameer